Eumorpha achemon, the Achemon sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Dru Drury in 1773.

It is native to North America, where it is known from most of the United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. It is rare or absent in the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and Southeastern United States except Florida.

Distribution

The wingspan is 87–97 mm. It can be distinguished from all other Eumorpha species by the hindwing upperside being almost uniformly pale pink from the base to the diffuse, dark brown submarginal band.
 Larvae are of three forms: light green, reddish orange, and tan to brown.

Description

Adults are on wing from June to August in one generation in the northern part of the range. There are two generations with adults on wing from May to August in the south. Adults feed on the nectar of various flowers, including Lonicera japonica, Petunia × atkinsiana, Philadelphus coronarius, and Phlox species. It is one of five main pollinators of the rare orchid Platanthera praeclara.
 They are known to feed on Parthenocissus quinquefolia and Ampelopsis species. They are often found on wild and cultivated Vitaceae, including grapes, and they can sometimes be found in vineyards feeding on the leaves.

Biology

Eumorpha achemon caterpillars are considered tree pests because they feed on the leaves of various tree species, causing defoliation and potentially impacting the health and growth of the trees.

tree pest

Eumorpha achemon caterpillars can be considered garden pests because they have a voracious appetite for foliage, including garden plants, and their feeding can cause damage to the leaves and overall health of the plants.

garden pest

Eumorpha achemon caterpillars can be considered crop pests because they have been known to feed on various crop plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, causing damage to the leaves and potentially reducing crop yields.

crop pest

Eumorpha achemon caterpillars are considered pests because they feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and crops, causing damage to the foliage and potentially impacting the health and productivity of these plants.

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How does the achemon sphinx protect itself?

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